ridecamp@endurance.net: RE: neoprene girths

RE: neoprene girths

Flemmer, Linda (LFlemmer@CHKD.com)
Thu, 24 Apr 1997 11:28:10 -0400

>You wrote:
>After hearing tons of supporters of neoprene girths on this list, I
>added one to my orthoflex when I ordered it. No problem. I now
>have two orthoflexes, one the new style, one the old, both with
>neoprene girths. To my surprise, I discovered a nasty girth sore on
>my grey horse. Yes, I wash his pits and yes I keep the girth clean.
>Has anyone else managed to get a girth thing with these wonderful
>girths besides me or do I just get to experience every weird problem
>out there.

Every horse is different - what works for one doesn't for the next.
That being said.... The neoprene girths work by moistening with sweat,
then allowing the skin to slide over the slick surfaces. It DOES NOT
work if you cinch too tightly. If too tight, it pulls on the skin &
opens friction burns or tears on the skin. I have 2 horses who HAVE to
use neoprene, otherwise they are completely raw. The other 2 do best in
mohair. We have used Montana Cincha's mohair in a custom short length
(we ride with dropped rigging), brass or stainless steel hardware. I've
found that Orthoflex's neoprene girths have held up exceptionally well,
with stainless steel hardware. We spent a few dollars on all the
girths, and they have lasted well. You definitely get what you pay for!

>Valerie once told me that endurance riding was nothing
>more than a series of problem solving.

Isn't that the truth. Just when one is solved, a new one crops up.

Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
soon to be from Bruceton Mills, WV

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